There’s something about vacation that gets your mind all kinds of right. The combination of spontaneity and relaxation is all it takes to feel fulfilled.

My California trip was different.

Yes, I relaxed, I enjoyed endless glasses of Prosecco on the beach, and took time off from daily responsibilities. But really the trip was more than just that.

I booked this trip to Los Angeles a few months back when I was at a place in my life where I just wasn’t the happy go-lucky Kim I knew.  A new city, a new job (I far from liked, but that’s long past me); I knew that I needed to get out for a little. To unwind, to breathe the salty sea air, and to spend time with my best friend. On a whim I booked my trip and counted down the days till I stepped foot on California soil.

During my trip, I thought about how I’d string my thoughts into coherent sentences for you all. As much as I can try to replicate my emotions into this post, I don’t think I ever will be able to. This trip was everything I needed and more. I was free, I was a new me, as cliché as that sounds. To me, this trip wasn’t just about a vacation away from the real world, but an adventure for my soul.

Months ago I left my job, broke off a long-term relationship that was “supposed” to be my future, and it didn’t take me long to realize I desperately needed some quality time with myself. Away from everything. Just me and the beach. I booked the trip and never looked back.

I won’t give you a play-by-play of every teeny tiny detail of my trip, but I will leave you with this: Life is now; it’s here in this moment. You either let these fleeting moments pass you by or you take time to savor them. Before this trip, I lost myself for a bit. With so many changes within these past few months, it was simple to feel like I just didn't know who I was anymore. Yes, I moved to a new city. Yes, I got a job in that city. Yes, I left that job. Yes, I broke up with my long-term boyfriend. Was there a reason behind it all? Absolutely. Every single one of those experiences made me grow. Every single one of those experiences pushed me to where I am now.

I have never felt more free in this moment and to me, that’s all that matters.

I will see you soon, California. I promise you that.